USA World Cup star Jay DeMerit becomes first Whitecaps FC MLS signing

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of American international and former Watford FC captain Jay DeMerit - pending his international transfer certificate. DeMerit becomes the first player named to the Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Jay is a quality individual and leader - both on and off the pitch - and is the type of player we are looking to build our team with," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president. "He has excelled both at the club and international levels, and we are thrilled that Jay has joined Whitecaps FC as our first Major League Soccer player signing."

Jay DeMerit

Internationally, DeMerit has earned 23 caps with the United States of America, and most recently started all four matches for his country during last summer's FIFA World Cup. The 30-year-old centre back helped the USA finish first in Group C and advance to the knockout stages before falling in extra time to Ghana. As a member of the top-ranked CONCACAF nation, DeMerit started all five matches in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and helped form the backbone of the Stars and Stripes' defence that reached the tournament final against Brazil. The native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, made his international debut against Guatemala in March 2007.

Media Conference

At club level, DeMerit enjoyed six outstanding seasons with England's Watford FC. He originally joined the Football League Championship side (second tier in England) in July 2004 following an impressive preseason friendly performance versus Watford as a trialist with semi-professional outfit Northwood FC of the Isthmian League Premier Division (seventh tier in England). Watford’s manager during that time was Ray Lewington, who was a starting midfielder for Whitecaps FC during the club’s 1979 North American Soccer League championship season.

DeMerit became an instant starter with Watford and helped the Hertfordshire-based club earn promotion to the English Premier League by scoring the match-winning goal in the 2005-06 Championship playoff final over Leeds United FC. Watford returned to The Championship the following season, and in December 2007, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound defender was named team captain. Following the 2008-09 season, DeMerit received the Community Ambassador award in recognition of his charity and community work with Watford.

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Last season with Watford, DeMerit played in 27 league matches and one Football Association Cup match. As a member of The Hornets, DeMerit made 213 appearances in all competitions, including 193 starts, and scored 10 goals.

"I am very thankful for my experiences with Watford FC and look forward to this new opportunity in Vancouver," added DeMerit. "Whitecaps FC have a tremendous history and great support in this beautiful city. After spending several seasons in England, I felt it was the right time to return to North America and I have been impressed by the Whitecaps FC organization and the vision they have as a club. I am excited to make Vancouver my new home."

Prior to his time with Watford, DeMerit played the 2003-04 season with Southall FC of the Combined Counties Football League (ninth tier in England), while in 2001, the defender played one season with Chicago Fire Premier of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League. From 1998 to 2001, he was a starter at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the NCAA Division I.

More than 15,000 Whitecaps FC season ticket deposits have been sold for the club’s inaugural season in MLS. Season ticket deposit holders will be able to choose from seven different seating categories starting at a base price of $319, plus applicable tax and a $10 processing fee per order. Pricing starts at less than $17 per game and more than 60 per cent of seats are available for less than $31 per game. To secure a seat and for additional information about Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets, suites, and loge boxes, call 604.669.9283 or visit whitecapsfc.com.

About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Whitecaps FC will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver. For additional information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.